“Giving Back” to Therapeutic Horsemanship at Hope Landing

By Kimberly McCloy

Hey y’all! Here’s one …SAAAA -VVY! Just saying it out loud should make you SMILE (it does for me)! That word has so many different meanings for me now. My name is Kimberly McCloy, and I am the Equine Director at HOPE Landing, Inc. in El Dorado, Arkansas. I am blessed to work with horses, assist with HIPPOtherapy, and teach children with special needs how to ride them; but you know what I’ve realized? The kids have taught me so much more!

HOPE Landing is a non-profit center located on an 80-acre ranch that provides traditional OT, PT, and Speech therapies to children from birth to the age of 21. We also provide non-traditional therapies like aquatic and HIPPOtherapy. HOPE Landing has AMAZING therapists, including nine horses and one donkey that we consider equine staff and administrative staff. I have to say that HOPE Landing has SAVVY!

Idaho (“Tater”) on the Pedistal

Working at HOPE Landing has also allowed me to meet people that I may never have had the chance to get to know, and they all mean the world to me! A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Edwin Alderson, who is on the Board of Directors for the Parelli Foundation. Mr. Alderson’s generosity is AMAZING! He has made an indelible imprint on my life by introducing me to Parelli Natural Horsemanship! Mr. Pat Parelli has an amazing way with horses of all ages and breeds, and has seen fit to show ANYONE who wants to know how he trains horses! It’s INCREDIBLE and ADDICTIVE to see him and his wife, Linda, work with horses!!!

Mr. Alderson sent me to Kentucky to a Therapeutic Horsemanship Clinic and OH MY GRACIOUS GOODNESS! I met people from all over who, like me, were seeking SAVVY! The clinic was two days of getting just a “small bite” of natural horsemanship teachings, but it has changed the way my team and I work with our horses, each other, our volunteers, and well, just people in general!

I have ALWAYS been interested in ANYTHING horse! I mean, you learn to see a horse not just as a horse, but through natural horsemanship, you find out what your horse’s HORSENALITY is! They show you how your horse can be a “partner” to you! I am looking forward to learning ALL I can so that I can be EVEN BETTER with ALL the horses that I have the privilege of working with, no matter their age or breed!

Mr. Alderson is letting us use his horse Idaho, a quarter horse that Mr. Parelli owned and trained! He is in our program and is a favorite with our kids and therapists! Idaho does anything we ask and is a phenomenal horse! He is proof that this program works, and has left me wanting not just that “tiny bite” – I want the WHOLE DINNER!!!

The Parelli Foundation is giving back by tackling so MANY needs, such as horse welfare, therapeutic horsemanship, youth, and scholarships! Theresa Fincher (former Executive Director) has proven to be a leader and a friend. She is so passionate about the Parelli Foundation and everything they are doing! Thank you, Mr. Alderson, for introducing me to a different, easier way to work with horses so that they respond better! I guess you can say that I AM SEEKING SAVVY!

Watch Raven As She Develops!

5* Licensed Parelli Master Instructor Dave Ellis is monitoring Raven as she progresses in her development. 2* Licensed Parelli Professional Ashley Dudas will be partnering with Raven to do the following tasks. As each task is completed, a video link will appear to the right of the tasks for you to see. These tasks have been approved by Pat Parelli and will take several months to complete.

Monthly Partnership Levels

Decide on your amount and click the button below to make your donation.

The Parelli Foundation is committed to disclosing any circumstance or condition related to any horse we offer for sale no matter how potentially insignificant.

Surprise was treated as a yearling and again in September of 2016 for Immune Mediated Myositis (IMM). IMM is a condition in which the immune system of the horse attacks the skeletal muscles causing rapid atrophy of the muscles along the top line. It is easily visible and often occurs following a respiratory illness. IMM is remarkably responsive to corticosteroids and generally resolves without any long term repercussions.

Surprise is not currently suffering from IMM. If you have questions about Surprise, her health history, or her present condition we encourage you to contact your veterinarian, contact us, or request a pre-purchase exam by the veterinarian of your choice.

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“We initially sought out Natural Horsemanship to better relate to our horses as our partners in serving the disabled. But so much more happened. We learned very soon that for this partnership to work we had to change. You have to become different in order to be successful in having this new relationship. But for someone who likes animals, especially horses, Natural Horsemanship will help them make their journey to personal strength, resiliency and finding some peace within. They will be taught from the first day that what they attempt will never be perfect.” Courage Reins is a Therapeutic Horsemanship Center. Their Instructor, Horse Enrichment Coordinator, Angie Moody works with 3* Parelli Professional Lillan Roquet.

The Parelli Foundation “Rehoming 4 Life” workshop in Petaluma, California, laid the groundwork for life saving cooperation between horse rescue operations, a veterinarian, and ranches to save horses threatened by the Valley Fires in California. Through amazing teamwork, the animal hospital, rescues, and volunteers together helped rescue, treat, and care for over 300 animals. Read More….

30 Second Inspiration

A newly established 4-H club, Partners With Horses, has the dedication and Perspiration to practice the Parelli Principles. With help from the Parelli Foundation the club received information and inspiration getting them jump started with educational materials, tools and connections to Licensed Parelli Professionals: Meggie Andrews and Courtney Clark! This club integrates rescue horses into their program and is now having the time of their life winning ribbons at local shows! A little support goes along way.. Here is to the Future of Horsemanship!